UNC-Chapel Hill researchers create new type of COVID-19 antibody test
June 15, 2020 Scientists have created a test that pinpoints human antibodies specific to a unique part of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The test can help document COVID-19 infections, identify asymptomatic virus infection and measure the level of immunity in individuals.
Researchers map how coronavirus infection travels through cells of nasal cavity and respiratory tract
June 2, 2020 A major study of novel coronavirus infection in human airways adds to evidence that wearing a mask is an important step toward limiting transmission of COVID-19. The lead authors of the study in the journal Cell are UNC-Chapel Hill virology expert Dr. Ralph Baric and pulmonary expert Dr. Richard Boucher.
‘Landmark’ study finds long-acting injectable drug highly effective in preventing HIV
June 1, 2020 A large-scale HIV study funded by NIAID and ViiV Healthcare halted early after cabotegravir, dosed every two months, showed higher efficacy than a daily oral pill.
Gillings alumna Mims named MAHEC chair of community and public health
June 1, 2020 UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC recently welcomed Dr. Susan Mims, a UNC Gillings alumna, as the chair of community and public health. Dr. Mims will help to lead the Asheville-based Master of Public Health program.
Islam, Emerson named recipients of early-career science award
June 1, 2020 Two postdoctoral research associates from University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center —both of whom earned doctoral degrees at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health — have been announced as recipients of an award honoring the late Dr. Eddie Méndez.
Panel releases recommendations to guide North Carolina’s response to suspected cancer clusters
May 28, 2020 A North Carolina cancer cluster advisory panel chaired by Dr. Andrew Olshan has released a proposal with five recommendations to improve how the state should investigate a potential cancer cluster.
UNC researchers say COVID-19 treatment tocilizumab should be used with caution
May 26, 2020 In the first COVID-19 case series study of tocilizumab in the United States, UNC researchers report sobering results. They say the drug should be used judiciously until randomized clinical trials determine tocilizumab’s true efficacy.
Gillings scientists study most potent neutralizing antibody against novel coronavirus to date
May 21, 2020 By “fishing” in a pool of more than one hundred billion potential antibodies — using a piece of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as bait — infectious disease scientists have isolated human monoclonal antibodies that completely neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
The Gillings Community Responds to COVID-19: Tracking the Spread
May 18, 2020 The asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 has created a significant challenge for public health experts. Learn how faculty and alumni in epidemiology, health behavior and biostatistics are working to track the spread of the disease through studies, contact tracing, modeling and more.
Gillings researchers advance in the quest for a dengue vaccine
May 13, 2020 Dengue viruses are estimated to cause ~390 million infections and 100 million cases each year around the globe. Because infection with one of the four unique dengue strains does not provide lasting immunity to the other strains, it has been especially difficult to create an effective vaccine.
